Comportamentos de saúde oral e prevalência de selante de fissuras numa amostra de crianças do Concelho de Nelas

Abstract

Introduction: The impact of oral health on quality of life has received increasing attention from healthcare professionals, because it is integral to overall health and maintaining it is a priority. Knowledge of the prevalence of oral diseases that affect the population, and the lack of simple, affordable and effective preventive measures led the World Health Organization (WHO) to draw up ambitious goals that within a decade will significantly improve the oral health worldwide. These goals require a reinforcement of oral health promotion and oral diseases prevention such as dental caries and periodontal disease. Prevention should start preferably within the family and continue at school, allowing children and youth to learn healthy behaviors in this area. There are several effective methods of primary prevention, from the less invasive, such as the promotion of oral hygiene to the more invasive, such as placing fissure sealants. Objectives: To understand the state of children's oral health and oral health behaviors and those of their parents / guardians Methods: We conducted an epidemiological observational cross study in a sample of children from the 1st cycle of the municipality of Nelas. Data were collected in two phases: questionnaires to parents regarding oral hygiene habits of children and the household and intra-oral observation to assess the CPOD, the integrity and prevalence of fissure sealants. Results: With this study we learned about tooth brushing patterns, oral health and visits to the dentist data from the household. Conclusions: It has been established a relationship between the oral health of children and parents. The prevalence, the characterization of fissure sealants as well as its importance was recognized.

Date of Award	12 Jul 2013
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Jorge Leitão (Supervisor) & Nélio Jorge Veiga (Supervisor)